How to switch music distributors without losing your streams
You can move your catalog to Eventroo as long as you hold the necessary rights and send metadata consistent with the version already published. The platforms are the ones that recognize your history: that is why the care lies in keeping the data identical, sending the new version before taking the old one down and checking before each step. This guide shows the right order and the mistakes that most often cost streams.
Create your account on the Eventroo platform and register your releases with the same data as the published version.
Before you start: what to gather
Collect everything for each release before you upload. Copying the data from your old distributor's page, field by field, avoids most mistakes:
- The original audio file, the same one you sent the first time (WAV), not remastered.
- The cover art used on the release.
- The ISRC of each track and the UPC of each release.
- The original release date.
- The exact spelling of the title, the version (such as "Live" or "Acoustic"), the artists and the featured artists.
- Songwriter and producer credits.
- The release links on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, to check later.
- The sales and streaming reports downloaded from your old distributor, for your records.
What to keep the same
To improve the chance of a match, preserve the essential data from the previous version:
- The same ISRC. It identifies the recording and, as a rule, stays the same when moving between distributors.
- The same audio, with the same duration.
- The same title and the same version.
- The same artists, in the same order and with the same spelling.
- The original release date, when the upload form asks for it.
- The same UPC, which identifies the release (single, EP or album). When uploading, mark it as previously released and enter the existing UPC. If the product changes, for example a single that becomes an EP, it becomes a different release, but each track keeps its ISRC.
How Spotify links your streams
Spotify calls this process track linking: when the new version arrives with the same data as the old one, both share the same play count (Re-uploading music, Spotify for Artists).
For that, the new track must be exactly the same as the first delivery in audio, duration, title, version, artists and ISRC, and arrive at least 5 business days before its live date. Spotify itself warns that linking is never 100% guaranteed (How does track linking work, Spotify).
| Data | Must be | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| ISRC | The same as the published version | The new distributor generating a new ISRC because the field was left empty |
| Audio and duration | The same file | Sending a remastered version or one with a different ending |
| Title and version | Exactly the same | Changing capitals, accents or dropping "Live" |
| Artists | The same, in the same order | Switching "feat." for "with" or changing the order |
Step by step
Step 1: Confirm your rights
You need to hold the necessary rights to the recordings you are moving.
Step 2: Gather the published version's data
ISRC, UPC, audio, title, version, artists, duration and original date of each track, as they are live today.
Step 3: Upload your releases to Eventroo
Create your account, mark the release as previously released and enter its existing UPC and the ISRC of each track. Plan at least 7 days ahead for review and processing.
Step 4: Wait for the new version to appear
For a while the release may show up twice. That is normal during the switch.
Step 5: Check that it linked
On Spotify for desktop, compare the tracks' play counts. When the new version shows the same history, the link worked.
Step 6: Only then take it down at the old one
In general, you do not need to remove it from the old distributor first. The best practice is to coordinate the migration to reduce the risk of unavailability.
The procedure may vary by catalog and platform.
What happens to your streams and playlists
Eventroo cannot guarantee that metrics will be preserved, because recognition is done by the platforms. Keeping the same ISRC, audio, title, artist and duration improves the chance of a match.
There is also no standard timeframe for matching between distributors. During the transition there may temporarily be two versions, differences in availability or a delay in linking.
Playlists follow the same logic: when the tracks link, the platform tends to keep the song in place. Editorial playlists are each platform's decision. Each service (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music) has its own rules.
Mistakes that most often cost streams
- Taking the release down at the old distributor before the new version is live.
- Letting the new distributor generate a new ISRC for a recording that already had one.
- Swapping one track's ISRC with another's on the same album.
- Sending remastered audio or audio with a different duration.
- Using the switch to change the artist name, the title or the featured artists.
- Switching in the middle of a campaign or a playlist peak, instead of between releases.
Changing data during the migration
It may be possible, but simultaneous changes reduce the consistency needed for automatic recognition. When the goal is to preserve history, keep the essential data as close as possible to the previous version. Move it as it is first; fix what you need afterwards.
Small corrections must be assessed case by case. Relevant changes to the recording may require a new ISRC or a new release.
Royalties during the switch
Platform reports arrive with a delay. In general, the old distributor still receives what was streamed while the release was with them, so keep the old account open until you receive the last payments.
At Eventroo, a balance becomes available for payment when it has been actually reported by the platforms, processed and made available under the account and contract terms.
YouTube and Content ID after the switch
Two references for the same audio in Content ID create a conflict, and duplicate distributors are one of the causes of a claim on your own song. Ask the old distributor to remove it from Content ID before registering it with the new one.
See how YouTube Content ID works and what to do if a claim appears.
Labels and large catalogs
With a large catalog, move it in batches and check each batch before going on. A spreadsheet with the ISRC, UPC, title, version, artists and original date of each track avoids most mistakes.
Labels and record companies have catalog migration and support at Eventroo. See the program for labels or talk to the sales team.
Frequently asked questions about switching distributors
Can I move my catalog to Eventroo?
Yes, as long as you hold the necessary rights and send metadata consistent with the version already published.
Will I lose my streams when I switch?
Eventroo cannot guarantee that metrics will be preserved, as recognition is performed by the DSPs. To improve the chance of a match, keep the same ISRC, audio, title, artist, duration and other essential data.
Will I lose my playlists?
When the tracks link, the platform tends to keep the song in place. There is no guarantee: editorial playlists are each platform's decision.
Do I need a new ISRC?
No. The same recording should, as a rule, keep the same ISRC when moving between distributors. A new ISRC is only for a new recording or a materially different version.
How long does matching between distributors take?
There is no standard timeframe. During the transition there may temporarily be two versions, differences in availability or a delay in linking.
Should I remove it from the old distributor first?
In general, no. The best practice is to coordinate the migration to reduce the risk of unavailability. The procedure may vary by catalog and DSP.
Can I change metadata during the migration?
It may be possible, but simultaneous changes reduce the consistency needed for automatic recognition. When the goal is to preserve history, keep the essential data as close as possible to the previous version.
Can I send a remastered version?
If the goal is to keep your history, no. Relevant changes to the recording may require a new ISRC or a new release, and different audio lowers the chance of the tracks linking.
What happens to my royalties?
In general, the old distributor pays for what was streamed while the release was with them. At Eventroo, a balance becomes available when it has been actually reported by the platforms, processed and under the account and contract terms.
Keep exploring
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The step-by-step, from finished material to a live release.
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Catalog, reports, migration and the label name in the credits.
For independent artists
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Special program for labels
Distribute your label’s catalogue with its name in the credits of every release. Organised catalogue, revenue reports, support and catalogue migration at Eventroo.
Ready to bring your catalog?
Create your Eventroo account and register your releases with the same data. If you have questions along the way, official support can help.
Move my catalogStill have questions?
Eventroo's official FAQ answers more than 90 questions about distribution, rights, revenue and payments.
Frequently asked questions